Computer recovery or return

ABSTRACT

A computer return apparatus. The apparatus includes a processor. The apparatus includes a memory connected to the processor. The apparatus includes a display. The apparatus includes a return screen that the processor automatically causes to appear during or after boot-up of the processor on the display, that displays ownership information concerning who owns the computer and return information for returning the computer to the owner from data stored in the memory. A method for returning a computer to its owner. The method includes the steps of activating a computer. A computer readable medium whose contents cause a computer to show who is its owner by performing the steps of activating a computer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is related to the return of lost or stolen computers. More specifically, the present invention is related to the return of lost or stolen computers using a recovery screen that appears during or after boot-up of the computer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Current methods of computer return or recovery products include:

[0003] (1) Physical labels that attach to the outside hardware of the computer equipment.

[0004] These hardware labels can contain custom recovery information, but because they are hardware based, they can not be interactively changed by the owner. Also, since they do not have any ability to affect the computer boot-up process, they can do nothing to help protect the confidential owner information on the hard drive. An example of a well known physical hardware/recovery label is the STOP Tag by Security Tracking of Office property in Connecticut. This labeling system has been patented in France, the US, and other countries. The product can be easily defeated by removing the physical label. In the case of STOP Tag which includes a ‘recovery mark’ which states “STOLEN PROPERTY” underneath the label, a new label can be simply added over the ‘recovery mark’ to hide the STOLEN PROPERTY sign. (The Security Tracking of Office Property equipment recovery patent is U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,711 This patent actually refers to how the labels adhere to the equipment—but this is their patent).

[0005] The computer security recovery/return program of the present invention utilizes this type of hardware recovery approach to a small degree, but is greatly different from this system, because this is a software program rather than a hardware solution. Additionally, the present invention is greatly superior, since the owner can interactively customize the return/recovery information displayed at any time, and the present invention also helps protect the important, confidential owner information on the hard drive, by the positioning of the program layer in the equipment boot-up process.

[0006] (2) Computer Software programs that attempt recovery through the use of the modem.

[0007] There are several patented computer security software products on the market today that are designed for the purpose of recovering lost or stolen equipment. These programs use the computer's modem to regularly call a recovery center. Then once a computer is stolen, the recovery center waits for the stolen computer to call in. When the computer modem calls in, the recovery centers use something similar to the reverse 911 system to get the phone number that the stolen equipment is accessing. Using the phone number, the recovery system then can try to get a map of where the computer is. Some of these computer security recovery programs can also attempt to locate stolen computers through an IP address. Some of these computer security recovery software programs, can actually attempt to seize the communication between the stolen computer and the recovery center and delete selected files to help protect the owner's confidential information. Products like these include CompuTrace, PC phone Home, CyberAngel, LapTrak and Luceria.

[0008] The present invention is also designed for the purpose of recovering lost or stolen equipment, but the method is distinctively different and unique from the current methods. The present invention does not rely on the use of the computer modem. The present invention uses a layered program in the boot-up process to provide a display of the proper owner recovery and return information using the computer's own monitor or screen. The present invention is also different and superior to the above software tracking products, in helping to accomplish international recovery. None of the above products to date have been able to use the modem phone or IP system to track stolen equipment internationally. The present invention provides international recovery by displaying owner email information as well as providing recovery help through an international recovery internet web site.

[0009] There are other differences as well in how these programs try to also protect the information on the hard drive. The present invention automatically initiates during the boot-up process of the equipment, in order to display the recovery/return information before a security prompt screen to always help protect the owner's confidential information on the hard drive. Some of the programs above do nothing to protect the user information. Others like LapTrak include a Hide-A-File feature that an owner can access after the user enters the operating system. CyberAngel includes an encryption feature. Luceria includes the ability to delete pre-selected files from the recovery center. By layering this computer security application strategically before or during a security prompt in the boot-up process, this application provides a unique and different method to help protect owner information.

[0010] (An example of patents for these types of products would be the CompuTrace U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,174, No. 5,764,892, and No. 5,802,280).

[0011] (3) Bios Based Password Identification systems.

[0012] There are some computers that are sold with Bios based identification systems included. These products activate immediately when a computer is turned on, and prompt the user for a password before accessing the data on the computer.

[0013] The present invention is very different and unique from the Bios based program, for many reasons. Most importantly the bios based password identification products are built into the hardware of the computer equipment—not the hard drive. In other words, if you removed the hard drive from a stolen or lost laptop, and inserted the stolen hard drive into a different laptop, you would bypass the bios based password identification system, and the bios based password identification system would remain with the original equipment. Thus, the Bios Based Password Identification system can identify the computer hardware, but not the hard drive (the most important part of the computer equipment).

[0014] In addition, the Bios Based Password Identification systems are designed as a unique method for providing an additional layer of password protection to the equipment hardware, but are not designed for recovery or return. There is no design for including complete owner information, no recovery information displayed, no effective protection of the information on the hard drive, no effective method for the recovery or return of the hard drive—the most important item that a consumer would want back. In fact the Bios Password Identification product occurs before allowing the hard drive to boot up. The present invention is unique because it is an application software program that provides its layer of protection during the boot-up process (not before), and thus allows the security product to move with the hard drive, the most critical part of the computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention pertains to a computer return apparatus. The apparatus comprises a processor. The apparatus comprises a memory connected to the processor. The apparatus comprises a display. The apparatus comprises a return screen that the processor automatically causes to appear during or after boot-up of the processor on the display, that displays ownership information concerning who owns the computer and return information for returning the computer to the owner from data stored in the memory.

[0016] The present invention pertains to a method for returning a computer to its owner. The method comprises the steps of activating a computer. Then there is the step of displaying automatically a return screen on a display of the computer during or after boot-up of the computer, which displays information concerning owner information about who owns the computer and return information for returning the computer to the owner from data stored in the memory of the computer.

[0017] The present invention pertains to a computer readable medium whose contents cause a computer to show who is its owner by performing the steps of activating a computer. Then there is the step of displaying automatically a return screen on a display of the computer during or after boot-up of the computer, which displays information concerning owner information about who owns the computer and return information for returning the computer to the owner from data stored in the memory of the computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention and preferred methods of practicing the invention are illustrated in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a representation of a return/recovery dialog box of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a flow chart regarding an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a flow chart regarding a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 5 is a representation of an administration program section of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 6 is a representation of a return screen of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 7 is an example of a password screen utilized by the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 8 is a return administration screen of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 9 is a second return administration screen of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a computer 12 return apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises a processor 14. The apparatus 10 comprises a memory 16 connected to the processor 14. The apparatus 10 comprises a display 18. The apparatus 10 comprises a return screen 20 that the processor 14 automatically causes to appear during or after boot-up of the processor 14 on the display 18, that displays ownership information concerning who owns the computer 12 and return information for returning the computer 12 to the owner from data stored in the memory 16. Owner is defined to be anyone who has the lawful and consensual right to use, possess or control the computer 12. This could include, but not be limited to, an employee of a company that owns the computer 12, or an agent of the owner or a friend that has the permission of the owner to use and have the computer 12.

[0029] Preferably, the apparatus 10 includes means for causing the screen to appear on the display 18 with the owner and return information. The causing means 22 is stored in the memory 16. The causing means 22 preferably is a software program 24. Preferably, the memory 16 includes a primary operating system having an operating screen 26 for the computer 12, and the return screen 20 appears on the display 18 before the operating screen 26 of the operating system appears on the display 18.

[0030] The software program 24 preferably appears before a security prompt such as a password to be entered to obtain access to the primary operating system of the computer 12. Preferably, the software program 24 allows the owner to change the return information and the owner information, after the password or security prompt is satisfied for the computer 12. The software program 24 is preferably able to communicate through a modem to a predetermined location to transfer the return information to the location to facilitate return of the computer 12 if it becomes lost by the owner.

[0031] The present invention pertains to a method for returning a computer 12 to its owner. The method comprises the steps of activating a computer 12. Then there is the step of displaying automatically a return screen 20 on a display 18 of the computer 12 during or after boot-up of the computer 12, which displays information concerning owner information about who owns the computer 12 and return information for returning the computer 12 to the owner from data stored in the memory 16 of the computer 12.

[0032] preferably, the displaying step includes the step of displaying automatically the return screen 20 before an operating screen 26 of the primary operating system of the computer 12. There is preferably the step of displaying the return screen 20 before satisfying a security prompt such as entering a password into the computer 12 to access the primary operating system. Preferably, there is the step of changing the return information, and the owner information after the step of satisfying a security prompt such as entering the password into the computer 12.

[0033] The present invention pertains to a computer 12 readable medium whose contents cause a computer 12 to show who is its owner by performing the steps of activating a computer 12. Then there is the step of displaying automatically a return screen 20 on a display 18 of the computer 12 during or after boot-up of the computer 12, which displays information concerning owner information about who owns the computer 12 and return information for returning the computer 12 to the owner from data stored in the memory 16 of the computer 12.

[0034] Preferably, the displaying step includes the step of displaying automatically the return screen 20 before an operating screen 26 of the primary operating system of the computer 12. There is preferably the step of displaying the return screen 20 before satisfying a security prompt such as entering a password into the computer 12 to access the primary operating system. Preferably, there is the step of changing the return information and the owner information after the step of satisfying a security prompt such as entering a password into the computer 12.

[0035] In the operation of the invention, first, the owner of the computer 12 would install the computer 12 security recovery/return software program 24 application. The program could be installed to work on any type of computer 12 screen including but not limited to, PC's, laptops, handheld computers (such as blackberries, palm pilots), UPS computerized handheld tracking display units, and even cell phone displays. The unique recovery/return computer 12 security program could in fact, be installed and used by any type of computer 12 that utilized a monitor display screen. The software application program provides an additional layer to the existing operating system of each computer 12. The coding language used for the software program 24 could and would vary depending upon the computer 12 equipment, but the core structure of how the program operates would be similar in all items.

[0036] Once the computer 12 security software program 24 is installed, the monitor of the computer 12 will display the complete and current recovery/return information that the program has allowed the owner of the equipment to interactively enter, change and update at anytime.

[0037] This “on the fly” ability to change owner recovery information to aid return of equipment is an important feature for anyone, including college students who travel from home to college during different parts of the year, people who move, and particularly business people who travel throughout the world. The recovery/return information would not only allow the display 18 of physical address return information, and owner contact telephone information, but would also provide for international internet based recovery through the added display 18 of owner email information, as well as the ability to display an international recovery center web site.

[0038] In addition to increasing chances of return and recovery of the stolen or lost equipment by using the computer's 12 display 18 monitor, the program is an additional programming layer added into the initial start up program of the computer 12, so that the recovery/return display 18 information occurs during or before a password or security prompt screen. This is an important feature that helps create an environment whereby the individual that happens upon a stolen or lost piece of equipment will see the owner recovery/return information displayed before a password or security prompt screen. By automatically initiating this program during or before a user's security prompt, such as a password screen program, the recovery/return program will not only increase chances of recovery, but will also increase chances that the computer 12 information on the hard drive is protected while the computer 12 is not in the owner's possession.

[0039] For example, the actual step by step operation of the program is as follows:

[0040] (1) Someone finds a lost or stolen computer 12. The person who finds the computer 12, turns the computer 12 on. (The software program 24 could be provided with a warning sticker that will be placed on the outside of the equipment telling anyone finding the equipment, about the program and the display recovery screen.)

[0041] (2) The computer 12 display 18 screen turns on. The computer 12 security software return/recovery program automatically initiates during the computer's 12 boot-up process.

[0042] (3) As the computer 12 booting up process moves the user to a password or security prompt screen, the computer 12 security software program 24 displays a dialog box which includes owner recovery and return information, so that the person finding the equipment can return the equipment either directly or through the international web site recovery center. The information screen can include any of the following items of information that the owner would like displayed including but not limited to: contact name, organization name, owner address, owner telephone number, owner email, international web site recovery site, international recovery email information, unique program serial/registration number. (See FIG. 2).

[0043] Virtually all of this information would have been interactively inputted by the owner, and the owner would have control over how much recovery information is displayed. (This is important, because some owners would like all the available information displayed, and others would not. For example, a U.S. secret service agent, accountant, or military personnel, might only want his name and phone number displayed, and would not like the organization name displayed for fear that would encourage a thief to try harder to break into the system rather than return the equipment.)

[0044] (4) The individual who has found the lost or stolen computer 12, is now able to easily return the equipment to the rightful owner. Because the display 18 screen showing the owner information is before, or during a password or security prompt screen that occurs before allowing the user to access the full operating system, the person recovering the equipment is blocked by the password or security prompt screen from accessing the data, and is unable to avoid seeing the recovery information screen.

[0045] It is important to note only that the computer 12 security software recovery/return program be displayed on the computer 12 screen monitor before, or during a password or security prompt display screen, because the operating system password screen creates a ‘wall’ before taking the computer 12 user to the computer 12 operating system. (See FIG. 3). This helps not only protect the owner's information on the hard drive, but also ensures that the person finding the equipment will see the owner recovery/return information. If the program initiated after the password or security prompt screen, the person finding the lost or stolen equipment would have difficulty ever seeing the recovery/return display 20.

[0046] It is also important to note that even through the recovery screen dialog box would ideally be the first screen, this may not be possible due to the wide variety of software operating systems used by computer 12 systems. Each computer 12 security program will attempt to display the recovery information on the initial screen when possible. However, for one of the Window operating systems for example, the first boot-up default screen is a CTR+ALT+DEL screen, and then the program can move to a password screen. In this case, the recovery/return program could provide a display 18 dialog screen that would be an additional layer between the CTR+ALT+DEL dialog box and the password dialog box. (See FIG. 4). Other operating systems could allow the program to display the recovery dialog box, with the password or security prompt at the bottom of the dialog box (so that even though the recovery dialog application is an additional layer during the boot-up, it would appear that the password or security prompt is included within the same dialog box). (See FIGS. 2 and 3). The recovery dialog box would occur before or during the password or security dialog box that ‘blocks’ the user from accessing the operating system.

[0047] Operation Administration Feature:

[0048] The computer 12 security software recovery/return program would also include an administration section to the program. The operation of the administration section features would work like this:

[0049] (1) The owner of the computer 12 would turn their machine on.

[0050] (2) As the boot-up begins, the owner sees the recovery/return display 18 dialog box appear.

[0051] (3) The owner then may see a password or security prompt to allow the owner into the operating system.

[0052] (4) In the event that there is a security prompt, the owner types in the correct password or satisfies the security prompt to access the hard drive's operating system and programs.

[0053] (5) Once the owner gains access to the primary operating system, the owner will have the ability to select an administration section for the computer 12 security software recovery/return program through the Start Up button or a shortcut icon on the display 18 screen. (See FIG. 5). The administration dialog box will allow the owner to interactively change the recovery/return display 18 information that appears in the recovery/return dialog box displayed during the boot-up process.

[0054] (6) There are additional features to the administration dialog box that may be added. Some of the features include:

[0055] a) added password or security protection prompt to allow the owner to access the administrative part of the program in order to change the recovery/return dialog display information,

[0056] b) interactive email based registration capability that would export owner information to an international recovery center using the internet,

[0057] c) a ‘where to order more licenses’ information screen (that could be tailored to allow dealer/distributor contact information),

[0058] d) screen saver lock feature, and

[0059] e) possible audit log to track user activity.

[0060] There are at least 3 important features that are critical and unique to the program, and make this program vastly different from other equipment security recovery products:

[0061] (1) The ability to display recovery/return information on the computer's 12 monitor screen.

[0062] (2) The ability to make sure that the display 18 occurs before or during a password or security prompt stopping the user from accessing the full operating system and hard drive information.

[0063] (3) The ability using an administrative program feature to allow the owner to interactively change the recovery/return information at any time.

[0064] Installation of the program is simple. The owner would load an installation CD into the computer 12 equipment or download the program from the internet. During the installation process, the owner will be prompted to provide some recovery/return information that the owner would like displayed; for example, contact name, phone and email information. The installation process will create the recovery/return display 18 screen, input the owner information, and create an administration section that can be accessed by the owner to be able to change recovery information at any time. After installation is complete, the computer 12 will be rebooted, and the program installation will be complete.

[0065] The program is essentially a recovery/return information screen that is displayed, and does not attempt to duplicate or replace more sophisticated access security programs already on the system. In the event that there is a security access program on the system using a password, security card, or biometric recognition device, the recovery/return screen 20 is ideally layered before the security screen (otherwise the recovery/return information would never be displayed—except to the owner since the person finding the equipment would not be able to enter the correct security information to get to the return screen 20). In operation:

[0066] 1) The equipment is turned on.

[0067] 2) The equipment processor 14 begins to go through the steps necessary to open up and allow access to the equipment's operating system. These steps may involve displaying various visual screens, depending upon the equipment.

[0068] a) For example, a typical Gateway computer may have the following series of displays: At minimum needs to display Ideal Return before Operating System and Dialog Display should appear before security Spots prompt. Monitor Gateway & Copyright MS Windows Microsoft Main/Primary self-test Gateway Promise 98 Logo Password Operating display logo display Technology display Security System display Prompt where user can begin using equip. & programs

[0069] In this example, the recovery/return program would display before or with the Microsoft password or security prompt.

[0070] b) Another example is with a Dell computer, which may have the following series of displays: At minimum needs to display Ideal Return before Operating System and Dialog Display should appear before security Spots prompt. Dell Name MS Windows Copyright MS Ctr + Security Network Main and Logo 98 Logo ESS Tech- Alt + Del Program that Prompts if Operating display ology display Prompt Logon display uses a not connected System Windows where user password and can begin a physical using access card equip. & programs

[0071] c) Another example is with an AT&T Cellular phone, which may have the following series of displays: Ideal At minimum Display Spots needs to display for Return Display Program before operating using OK prompt system AT&T Name Display Main/Primary Operating System & Logo showing where user can begin display phone number using equip. & programs

[0072] 3) The Return/Recovery owner information display screen is displayed before the main operating system. The Return/Recovery owner information screen has been customized by the owner (and can be interactively changed using an administrative program that can be accessed when the user gets to the operating system).

[0073] 4) Once the owner information dialog box is displayed, it remains displayed until the user satisfies a security prompt and/or pushes an OK button or says “OK”. The security program prompt could include a password that might need to be entered, a card access card that might need to be used, or a biometric impression that might need to be used, such as fingerprint, face, eye, or voice recognition system. Once the security program is satisfied, the computer 12 program continues to the main operating system.

[0074] The definition of the “boot-up” process includes a series of steps that the computer 12 is taking (including the series of displays that the programs are automatically displaying) in order to move the user to gaining access to the main operating system. And, as can be seen from the 3 examples above, the booting up process entails different steps and different display 18 screens on its way to the operating system.

[0075] It is important that

[0076] 1) the Recovery/Return screen 20 be displayed before the operating system, and

[0077] 2) that the display remains displayed until the user does something (like pushes an OK button on the screen, or says OK for future voice activation programs, or satisfies a security prompt).

[0078] This software application:

[0079] must be layered before the main operating system,

[0080] and in the event that a security program exists,

[0081] must be layered before or during the security program prompt (otherwise the recovery screen would only be seen by the authorized owner).

[0082] Security programs that currently exist could include:

[0083] a) entering a correct password (in the example of the current computers that have a Microsoft password system already built in and available).

[0084] b) entering another type of security prompt such as future security applications with a voice activated security prompt, an access card which needs to be within the vicinity of the computer 12, or even a fingerprint or eye recognition security program (which are currently available).

[0085] The basic Recovery/Return computer 12 security software program 24 may or may not include a security prompt feature as an option. The point of the program is that the recovery information can be customized, interactively changed, and displayed using the computer's 12 screen, and layered at the correct point (before the operating system, and before or during a security program prompt if a security program exists).

[0086] Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be described by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer return apparatus comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor; a display; and a return screen that the processor automatically causes to appear during or after boot-up of the processor on the display, that displays information concerning who owns the computer and return information for returning the computer to the owner from data stored in the memory.
 2. An apparatus as described in claim 1 including means for causing the screen to appear on the display with the owner and return information, the causing means stored in the memory.
 3. An apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein the causing means is a software program.
 4. An apparatus as described in claim 3 wherein the memory includes a primary operating system having a operating screen for the computer, and the return screen appearing on the display before the operating screen of the operating system appears on the display.
 5. An apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein the return screen is displayed before or during a password or other type of security program prompt that needs to be satisfied to obtain access to the primary operating system of the computer.
 6. An apparatus as described in claim 5 wherein the software program allows the owner to change the return information, and the owner information, after the owner has access to the primary operating system.
 7. An apparatus as described in claim 6 wherein the software program is able to communicate through a modem to a predetermined location to transfer the return information to the location to facilitate return of the computer if it becomes lost by the owner.
 8. A method for returning a computer to its owner comprising the steps of: activating a computer; and displaying automatically a return screen on a display of the computer during or after boot-up which displays information concerning owner information about who owns the computer and return information for returning the computer to the owner from data stored in the memory of the computer.
 9. A method as described in claim 8 wherein the display step includes the step of displaying automatically the return screen before an operating screen of the primary operating system of the computer.
 10. A method as described in claim 9 including the step of displaying automatically the return screen before or during a password or security prompt that needs to be satisfied to obtain access to the primary operating system.
 11. A method as described in claim 10 including the step of changing the return information, and the owner information after the owner has access to the primary operating system.
 12. A computer readable medium whose contents cause a computer to show who is its owner by performing the steps of: activating a computer; and displaying automatically a return screen on a display of the computer during or after boot-up which displays information concerning owner information about who owns the computer and return information for returning the computer to the owner from data stored in the memory of the computer.
 13. The computer readable medium of claim 12 wherein the display step includes the step of displaying automatically the return screen before an operating screen of the primary operating system of the computer.
 14. The computer readable medium of claim 13 including the step of displaying automatically the return screen before or during a password or security prompt that needs to be satisfied to obtain access to the primary operating system.
 15. The computer readable medium of claim 14 including the step of changing the return information, and the owner information after the owner has access to the primary operating system. 